Notes on Oils and Essential Oils used in beauty products

All of my homemade beauty products use oils as a base. With that in mind, I thought it would be useful to put something down about the types of oils available and whether or not they're worth considering as an ingredient.

Base oils

The are loads of oils out there, and I'd recommend you experiment or use what's best for you and your skin. Where possible use organic and extra virgin. Some hints on suitable 'base' oils to accompany the beeswax:

• Aloe Vera gel: reputedly good for its antibacterial qualities and soothing sunburn, it can be added the lotion to use as an "after sun".
• Argan: native to Morocco and made from the kernels of argans (similar to olives) it's been popularised by the beauty industry in recent years as a wonder oil. It's good for flaky skin, healing burns and rheumatism. Use sparingly (1/2 to 1 oz per mixture).
• Coconut: widely used across Asia the same way Europeans use olive oil (i.e cooking and beauty products). It's often used as a base ingredient to soaps and is a good moisturiser for dry skin.
• Jojoba: features heavily in the cosmetics/beauty industry. It has excellent moisturising qualities and should be used sparingly. It's colourless and odourless. It also has a good shelf-life.
  
• Olive: widely used in Europe in both cooking and soaps, it has great moisturising qualities without blocking pores.
• Sweet Almond: one of my favourite oils for its light sweet almond scent. It's obtained from the dried kernel of sweet almonds. It's used by massage therapists as a lubricant, so already well known in the beauty industry. However, it would be sensible to avoid this if your have a nut allergy.

Essential Oils

Also known as aromatherapy or massage oils. I'm no expert on the benefits of essential oils, and am guided more by the desired smell of my end product than their therapeutic or healing qualities. However, a few of the commonly used oils apparently have the following benefits:

• Cinnamon: reducing exhaustion, rheumatism and lowing blood pressure. 
• Citronella: insect repellent (could be added with the aloe vera for your summer holiday balm, or to the candle (previous entry) for outdoor dining).
• Citrus oils (lemon, orange, grapefruit): energizing and uplifting
• Eucalyptus: eases respiratory problems and breathing.
• Ginger: improving circulation and muscle aches and pain.
• Lavender: antibacterial, with calming and sedative properties. Good for relaxation and de-stressing.
• Rose: relaxing, apparently good for 'hormonal women'.
• Tea Tree: antiseptic, antifungal and antiviral qualities. 

 If you're interested in aromatherapy or the benefits of essential oils, I suggest you look online for more expert advice.